This page is to report to the SWT about interesting Profressional Development opportunities.

Enhancing Student Wellbeing to enhance Student Learning" Helen McGrath - Friday 20/8/2010 (KP)"
This was a fantastic PD that I recommend all SWT members attend. Helen speaks passionately about evidence based practice. She believes that Student Wellbeing can be enhanced by addressing the following 5 foundations of student wellbeing and by creating optimal learning environments characterised by effective and evidence informed approaches to learning:
  • Foundation One - Social and Emotional Learning
  • Foundation Two - Positive Emotions
  • Foundation Three - Positive Relationships
  • Foundation Four - Identification, Development and Application of Intellectual and Character Strengths
  • Foundation Five - A Sense of Meaning and Purpose
She has numerous books and is involved in many current research projects. She is concerned about the change in parenting of young children and makes reference to the "generation me" narcosistic rise...very interesting!!

"Creating Behavioural, Attitudinal and Emotional Change in Students" Andrew Fuller 23/7/2010 (KP & JM)
This was a good follow up to some early PD that I had done with AF. He is a practicing psychologist and often has great ideas for schools that may or may not be practical. He is entertaining and easy to listen to.
He makes reference to the 40 Assets of resilience and how on average Australian Children only have 19 of them. (link on resilience page) He refers to the differences between males and females - he believes boys just want you to respect them whereas girls are so keen for people to like them.... He cites many great links, studies and websites.
He believes every teacher should own a classroom and is great at giving little tips and techniques to work and engage difficult students. His book Tricky Kids is a great read also.

Behaviour Syndromes Helen McGrath - Friday 22/10/2010 (KP & MC)
Great PD again! This woman is a wealth of current and evidence based info. She focussed on Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, ODD, Conduct disorder, Anxiety disorders and depression. I really want her to come to MacKillop and PD our entire staff. She has some great books and resources... www.bounceback.com.au